A Detroit Educator’s Story of Inspiration and Giving Back

Dear Friends,

Raised in Detroit, Jack Williams III was introduced to the “Motown Sound” by his parents. During a middle school field trip to Motown Museum, Jack fell in love with music which laid the foundation for the rest of his life.
“Growing up in Detroit you always hear about the Motown greats, but standing in Studio A for the first time, I realized the full impact of Motown.”

Inspired by his trip to Motown Museum, Jack pursued a career in music education and developed his singing talent. In 2023 Jack entered Motown Museum’s AMPLIFY: The Sound of Detroit singing competition where he placed in the top ten.

Along with fellow contestants, Jack engaged in three months of artist development training at Hitsville NEXT, the Museum’s creative community for aspiring artists.

With guidance from leading music industry mentors, Jack received vocal coaching, image branding, choreography lessons and the opportunity to perform with a live band.

“AMPLIFY was a very cool experience. The competition gave me real ownership of my first solo ensemble experience.”

Jack incorporated what he learned from AMPLIFY into his work teaching music in Detroit Public Schools. Jack was later honored as a Skillman BMe Vanguard in recognition of his dedication and immense influence on young people as a driver of cultural, social, and political change.

Along with his BMe Vanguard honor, Jack also received a $10,000 grant. He chose to donate this gift to Hitsville NEXT programs to support young aspiring artists finding their way through music in the place where he first found inspiration so many years ago.

“I wanted to be able to grow something that will have an impact on the City of Detroit and help the city continue to have an influence on American culture. Whatever I do, I try to make music that expresses how I feel. I want people to hear my voice.”